Background: Innovative treatments for non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are required to enhance patient outcomes.
Aims: This review examines the effectiveness and safety of receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (RTKIs).
Methods: A comprehensive review was conducted on the treatment potential of several RTKIs, namely cetuximab, erlotinib, gefitinib, panitumumab, and lapatinib.
Results: The findings indicate that these targeted therapies hold great promise for the treatment of NMSCs. However, it is crucial to consider relapse rates and possible adverse effects. Further research is needed to improve treatment strategies, identify patient groups that would benefit the most, and assess the long-term efficacy and safety, despite the favorable results reported in previous studies. Furthermore, it is crucial to investigate the potential benefits of integrating RTKIs with immunotherapy and other treatment modalities to enhance the overall efficacy of therapy for individuals with NMSC.
Conclusions: Targeted therapies for NMSCs may be possible with the use of RTKIs. The majority of studies focused on utilizing epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors as the primary class of RTKIs for the treatment of NMSC. Other RTKIs were only employed in experimental investigations. Research indicates that RTKIs could potentially serve as a suitable alternative for elderly patients who are unable to undergo chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Keywords: VEGFR; basal cell carcinoma; non‐melanoma skin cancer; receptor tyrosine kinase; squamous cell carcinoma.
© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.